Integrity, Enjoyment, and Other Abstractions

Surveys seem to very trendy nowadays. They're almost everywhere: Malls, parks, theatres, churches, workplaces, planes, trains, buses, online; and for every subject imaginable: Preferred brands, popularity, poverty, opinions, sex, love, politics, happiness, hunger, finances, among many others. The power and persuasion of surveys cannot be ignored. Many a politician has ridden and won on the power of surveys. Surveys can shape our very lives. They can lead us to believe that we are happy and content, or are safe, hungry, lost, rich, poor, healthy, sick, desirable, benevolent, sane, or psychotic.


My workplace has not been spared. Do you perceive that your colleagues and management have integrity? Do you still find enjoyment in what you're doing? Or something to this effect. I always answer in the affirmative. I want to get on with what I'm doing, to browse news sites and answer e-mails, and do other things I'm supposed to do, and what I get paid for. Answering otherwise would require that I explain and qualify, but which I don't think will be understandable anyway.


You can't govern or lead based on surveys, if what you survey are opinions and perceptions. You have to do things right. Opinions may be representative of what people want or need, not what they are being given. You should never think you possess integrity just because a survey says so. People answer surveys either feeling wary and suspicious, or being polite, or both. Integrity is something you possess or don't; it's either 100% or nil. You know if you have it or not. It is like having a conscience, if you've ever experienced having one. Stop kidding yourselves.


As for the other abstraction, work enjoyment, it lasts only until the novelty of the job wears off. After that, one keeps the job out of sheer financial need, or the lack of other suitable, more appealing, and more generous options. You should notice the speed at which people jump ship as soon as better opportunities present themselves. Of course, there are the lucky few who work in jobs they really enjoy doing. They are the exceptions. The majority of us belong to the general rule. Do not tell me then, that you want me to have fulfillment. I can have that by getting laid.